Did Elizabeth Banks Just Diss Tara Reid? The Slight May Not Be As Bad As You Think


It’s the diss heard ’round the world. In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter Elizabeth Banks made an offhand comment about a fellow actress, and she’s taking a bit of heat for it.

First, some context. Banks sat down the Reporter to talk about her directorial debut of Pitch Perfect 2, a goal she’s worked toward for a decade in front of the camera. Until now, her acting choices have been a bit of a mixed bag; Elizabeth spent her 30s taking so many roles that a few were bound to be duds (Think Fred Claus, Walk of Shame).

But, as the magazine pointed out, Banks was being practical by taking 70 roles in 10 years. After all, being an actress in Hollywood — especially one of a certain age — isn’t easy, Elizabeth noted. Here’s where her diss on Tara Reid comes in. Out of context, it does indeed sound quite bad.

“There was a group of us girls coming up. A lot of us are surviving. Some of us are not. I used to go to auditions with Tara Reid. So, you know, we didn’t all make it. We’re not all still here. (But) I do love Sharknado.”

Tara Reid

No one can argue that Banks’ diss isn’t factually correct. Tara Reid doesn’t have the best career in Hollywood, and while Elizabeth may have called unfair attention to her plight, the diss made her point.

Still, you have to feel a bit bad for Reid. It does seem a bit, let’s say arrogant, to point out another person’s failure while touting your own success.

Elizabeth has now joined a very short list of women directors by taking the helm on Pitch Perfect 2. It’s been a long road to reach this goal, and she was prepared, E! Online added.

“I went through no hoops for this particular job. I just put myself right at the spot where someone needed to be to get the job. And I prepared. I knew I wanted to direct, so I met DPs, I ran sets, I chose music. I went through the process of directing in little ways – nothing too big or risky or time-consuming. I just started really observing.”

The first installment was a great success, and few doubt the sequel will be as well. Banks has received a vote of confidence from director Judd Apatow, who said “she has a great eye for material and understands all aspects of production.”

But until the film comes out, Elizabeth said her merit as a director is unproven, Ace Showbiz added.

“The list of women who get to make studio-level films is very short. And I’m not quite in that club yet. Until this movie comes out, then we’ll see. This shoot is the test. I like to get A’s.”

Still, maybe watch your words. Tara didn’t deserve that diss — her life is hard enough as it is.

[Photo Courtesy Tim P. Whitby, Michael Kovac/Getty Images]

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